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To help you understand what is happening when you have cancer, it helps to learn how your body works normally. Our bodies are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Normal cells grow and multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body does not need them.
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Some people use statistics to try to figure out their chances of getting cancer or of making a full recovery. It is important to remember that this data shows what happens with large groups of people. Because no two people are alike, you can't use this data to know or predict what will happen to you.
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The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It is about 6 inches long. One end is wide and tapers to a narrow tail at the other end. The wide end is called the head. The middle is called the body. The narrow end is called the tail.
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There is no way to know for sure if you're going to get pancreatic cancer. And there is no known way to prevent it. Certain factors can make you more likely to get this type of cancer than another person. These are called risk factors. Some risk factors, such as age or family history, are out of your control. Other risk factors, such as smoking and diet, can be controlled. Here are the most common risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
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Knowing the risk factors is a good first step toward preventing pancreatic cancer. Use your risk factors to plan a course of action. Also, let your doctor know if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer. And, know the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. If you notice any, see your doctor right away.
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There are often no symptoms in the early stages of pancreatic cancer. Any symptoms you might notice may seem minor at first. This is a list of symptoms for all stages of pancreatic cancer.
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